Monthly Archives: February 2011

Final Thoughts on Laos

Posted on February 26, 2011 by Ray

Visiting Laos was a great experience. However, we’re three for three. In May we went to France and learned that our beloved dog, Sparty, died. In September we went to the UK and four days from the finish we learned … Continue reading →

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Back From Southeast Asia

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Ray

It hasn’t been easy the last week. We took the 8 hour van ride to Hanoi and got to the Silk Path Hotel which is a beautiful new hotel in the center of Hanoi. It is on Hang Bong Street … Continue reading →

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Hanoi, Vietnam, Feb. 12

Posted on February 12, 2011 by Ray

Last night we learned that Marie’s mother passed away. The group decided to go directly to Hanoi instead of continuing with more biking. We crossed the border from Laos to Vietnam this morning. We have never had our passports and … Continue reading →

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Laos, Feb. 11 – Day 21

Posted on February 11, 2011 by Ray

In the interest of full disclosure: We are not riding our bikes every inch, mile or kilometer on our route across Laos. While it can be done, it would take extremely strong and fast bikers to do it. In the … Continue reading →

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Laos, Feb. 10 – Day 20 – Vieng Thong

Posted on February 10, 2011 by Ray

It was tough to leave Nongkhiew Village. It is such a slice of paradise. Today we are back on the bikes. We are off the main road but we are on a road that is paved and has very little … Continue reading →

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Laos, Feb. 9 – Day 19 – Nongkhiew Viliage

Posted on February 9, 2011 by Ray

Today was our “trekking” day. After breakfast we boarded a boat to take us 1 1/2 hours up Nam Ou River to the village of Muang Ngoi. This morning the area was covered with a heavy fog. The nights are … Continue reading →

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Laos, Feb. 8 – Day 18 – Nongkhiew Village

Posted on February 8, 2011 by Ray

At this point I am thinking that this has been the best day of the adventure. The weather was beautiful. We biked about 50 miles on a good road without having difficult climbs. We passed through friendly villages. The children … Continue reading →

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Laos, Feb. 7 – Day 17 – Luange Prabang

Posted on February 7, 2011 by Ray

It’s Super Bowl Sunday (or Monday) in Laos. Yes, the game is available on our hotel television but started at about 6:30 am. The audio is done by Thai announcers which makes for a strange broadcast. We have an off-day … Continue reading →

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Random Thoughts on Laos. (Updated)

Posted on February 7, 2011 by Ray

A few random observations on Laos: – The country is developing but it is outwardly more appealing than Vietnam. Vientiane is not nearly as hectic as Hanoi or Hoe Che Minh City. This probably has a lot to do with … Continue reading →

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Laos, Feb. 6 – Day 16 – Luange Prabang

Posted on February 6, 2011 by Ray

This could have been the signature, most demanding day of the tour. If we had decided to take off at the break of dawn we could have cycled 150 kilometers. But we are older, wiser and have a much better … Continue reading →

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